Apple's
earnings did showcase some troublesome signs, though.
Particularly worrisome for Apple, its brand-new iPad. I twas forecast
to move 4.7 million units, but only moved 4.19 million units, a sign
of slowing sales. And sales of iPods came in a 9.05 million
units, falling short of the predicted 10 million units.

Its
prediction of $4.80 (USD) earnings per share for its quarter in
December also fell short of the bullish analyst consensus of
$5.04.

These results led to an unusual trading pattern in
Apple's stock after hours. Despite reporting what seems a
blowout quarter, these telltale signs of weakness sent Apple stock
approximately $21/share, approximately a 6.6 percent drop. This
drop returned the stock to beneath $300, a mark that the stock just
passed for the first time early this month.

Perhaps
such is the fate of an unusual company like Apple whose customers are
fiercely loyal, whose actions are over scrutinized, and who continues
to deliver plenty of surprises come earnings day.

"If they're going to pirate somebody, we want it to be us rather than somebody else." -- Microsoft Business Group President Jeff Raikes